According to the Flag Code, only the president of the US or your state governor can order the US flag lowered to half-staff. You can half-staff your company flag, which has the advantage of informing passersby and uninformed employees, clients, etc., that someone important to your company has died.

What is the protocol for lowering the flag to half-staff?

The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day.

When can you fly a flag at half-mast?

The United States flag flies at half-staff (or half-mast) when the nation or a state is in mourning. The president, through a presidential proclamation, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff.

Who can order flags to half-staff?

Answer: No, only the President of the United States or the Governor of your State may order the flag to be half-staffed. Those individuals and agencies that usurp authority and display the flag at half-staff on inappropriate occasions are quickly eroding the honor and reverence accorded this solemn act.

How long do you lower a flag?

The flag should fly at half-staff for 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president.

Lowering the flag to half-staff

45 related questions found

Should the flag be at half-mast today?

As a mark of respect, the Australian National Flag and the New South Wales State Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Wednesday 29 September 2021 from all buildings and establishments occupied by Government departments and affiliated agencies.

What is the difference between half-staff and half-mast?

Half-mast is reserved primarily for ships when flags fly halfway during times of distress or mourning. According to the U.S. Flag Code, half-staff is largely an American English term where it distinguishes the position and manner of display on a flagpole as half-staff, or midway between the summit and bottom.

Why is the flag at half-mast today September 27 2020?

In honor of fallen firefighters, Governor Walz has asked that flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on September 27. "Each day, our firefighters put their lives on the line to protect us, our loved ones, and our communities,” Governor Walz said.

Why are flags at half-mast October 30 2021?

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings statewide on Saturday, October 30, 2021, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Bailey J. Tucker.

Why is the flag halfway down?

Lowering the flag is a sign of respect, mourning or distress. Most English-speaking countries use the term half-mast, but in the United States, that refers only to flags flown on ships. In the U.S., lowering the flag traditionally signals that the country or a state is in mourning.

Are flags lowered to half-staff or half-mast?

The term "half-mast" is preferred by dictionaries and seems more appropriate at sea (as ships have masts). "Half-staff" seems more appropriate on land, and is the preferred term used in the Flag Code and in Presidential proclamations. We call it a draw. The two terms may be used interchangeably for general use.

What is lowering the flag called?

Dip. This is when a flag is lowered during a salute. The American Flag is never dipped, but other governmental bodies flags will be dipped while the American Flag stays upright. Distress. When the flag is flying upside down or the wind knots it up so it cannot fly freely.

What does the lowered flag symbolize?

A flag that is at half mast has been brought down to a point halfway down the pole as an expression of sadness at someone's death: The flags at Buckingham Palace were all flying at half-mast.

What is the proper flag etiquette?

The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, the floor, water, or merchandise. The flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free. The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored so that it might be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.

Is it against the law to fly the flag upside down?

While it is legal to express yourself in whatever way you so choose, it is disrespectful to fly an American flag upside down unless in a life-or-death situation, according to the United States Code.

What do you call the person who raises and lowers the flag?

Flag carrier may refer to: Standard-bearer, a person (soldier or civilian) who bears an emblem called an ensign or standard. ... Example: "Bill was the flag carrier of the movement to improve inner city education."

What does half mast?

noun. a position approximately halfway between the top of a mast, staff, etc., and its base. verb (used with object) to place (a flag) at half-mast, as a mark of respect for the dead or as a signal of distress.

Are you to lower the flag slowly or briskly?

When raising the flag, hoist briskly to the top of the pole. When lowering, it is to be done slowly and respectfully. The flag should not touch the ground or floor beneath it.

Can the American flag be flown at night without a light?

According to the US Flag Code, all American flags should be displayed from sunrise to sunset every day. Lowering the flag at night is an ultimate sign of respect for Old Glory. But like many rules, there is an exception. You can keep your flag flying 24-hours if it is properly illuminated during all hours of darkness.

What is the only flag that can be flown above the US flag?

The Christian flag may fly above the US flag only "during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea, when the church pennant may be flown above the flag during church services for the personnel of the Navy" (Flag Code, Section 7c).

Why is Alabama flag at half mast?

Ivey orders flags at half-staff in honor of Afghanistan victims. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAFF) - Governor Kay Ivey issued all flags to be lowered at half-staff as a mark of respect for the U.S. service members and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on August 26 in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Why do people put American flags outside their homes?

With Flag Day just passed and the Fourth of July approaching, it is a great time to show your patriotism. ... Additionally, it is every American's right to proudly raise the American flag outside their homes in respect, remembrance and celebration of the United States of America.